Sim Coach

Making a Virtual Human More Human

Designing Trust for Digital Humans

USC Institute for Creative Technologies
Character Design & Facial Performance for Virtual Humans

SimCoach: Making a Virtual Human More Human

Year: 2010
Client: US ARMY
Role: Character Specialist
Project: SimCoach
Developed By: USC Institute for Creative Technologies
Project Director: Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo

Virtual Human Design for Veteran Mental Health Support

SimCoach was a virtual human research project developed at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies under the leadership of Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo. The project explored how conversational virtual humans could help military veterans access mental health resources and support services.

SimCoach Evaluation: A Virtual Human Intervention to Encourage Service-Member Help-Seeking for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

Virtual Human Design for Veteran Mental Health Support

Before / After Comparison

Redesigned the visual appearance and facial performance of a virtual human developed by USC's Institute for Creative Technologies to create a more approachable and trustworthy conversational experience for military veterans.

The Challenge

Create a virtual human that veterans would feel comfortable talking to about sensitive personal issues. The original character felt intimidating and emotionally distant, creating a barrier to trust and engagement.

My Contribution

  • Redesigned the character's appearance and visual presentation

  • Refined facial expressions and speech performance

  • Improved facial animation quality and believability

  • Collaborated with researchers and engineers to enhance character performance

The Transformation

Bill Ford evolved from a technical prototype into a virtual human that felt approachable, credible, and human.

Why It Matters

Technology can start the conversation.
Character design and appeal determine whether people want to continue it.